System and method for perforating and fracturing in a well

ABSTRACT

A technique is provided to facilitate a well related procedure involving perforation and fracturing processes. A crane is used to lower fracturing equipment into a wellbore. Additionally, a wireline winch is mounted on the crane to facilitate a perforation process. The wireline winch uses a conductive wireline that may be run into the wellbore to enable the firing of a perforating gun.

BACKGROUND

In preparing wells for production of formation bearing fluids, a well often is subjected to perforating and fracturing processes. Conventionally, perforating has been accomplished with a stand-alone wireline crew utilizing a dedicated wireline unit, a pickup and personnel specifically trained to operate the wireline unit and conduct the perforation procedures. A separate stand-alone fracturing crew has been used to carry out the pumping or fracturing portion of the overall process. The fracturing crew similarly utilizes a crane and its own dedicated vehicles, equipment and personnel trained to carry out the fracturing procedures.

The use of separate crews, separate vehicles and separate equipment for processes that are often conducted simultaneously can lead to inefficiencies. For example, the procedural separation of perforating and fracturing can require extra vehicles and extra personnel. This, in turn, creates increased costs, increased time requirements, and increased logistical difficulty, particularly when alternating perforating and fracturing procedures are conducted in a given well. Additionally, the relatively large number of vehicles and personnel requires a relatively large location footprint at a given well site.

SUMMARY

In general, the present invention provides a system and method for creating greater efficiency during perforating and fracturing procedures in a well. The system and method utilize a vehicle having a crane for lowering and raising fracturing and perforating equipment in a wellbore. Additionally, a wireline winch is mounted directly to the crane to facilitate the run in of conductive wireline for perforating procedures. This combination greatly facilitates sequential perforating and fracturing procedures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a well site with an example of a crane and a control vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an example of a crane base with combined wireline winch, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an example of a crane truck with crane in an operational position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the crane truck illustrated in FIG. 3 with crane in a transport position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an example of a control system used to control and monitor aspects of perforation and fracturing procedures, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a well with several zones in which perforation and fracturing procedures have been conducted, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a procedural flowchart illustrating an example of a perforating/fracturing procedure, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments may be possible.

The present invention generally relates to well preparation procedures. In preparing or constructing certain wells, perforation and fracturing procedures often are used to facilitate the production of desired fluids, e.g. oil, from the subterranean formation. The present invention generally combines aspects of the perforation and fracturing techniques to increase the efficiency with which these procedures are carried out at a given well site.

Efficiency is enhanced, at least in part, by combining a wireline winch system with a crane used in fracturing. In at least some embodiments, the wireline winch control/acquisition systems also can be combined with the fracturing control and monitoring systems. This combination eliminates the previous need for separate wireline vehicles and also reduces the number of personnel required by integrating perforating skills and personnel with the fracturing crew. In some applications, this enables the reduction of personnel by at least two individuals.

Referring generally to FIG. 1, a well site 20 is illustrated as having a well comprising a wellbore 24 drilled into a formation 26. Wellbore 24 extends downwardly from a wellhead 28 positioned at a surface 30 of the earth. Wellbore 24 provides access for equipment used in perforating and fracturing procedures designed to enhance production of desired fluids from formation 26. As illustrated, aspects of the perforating and fracturing processes are combined to provide greater efficiency with respective the well preparation project.

For example, a combined perforating and fracturing unit 32 is utilized to deploy and remove perforating and fracturing equipment 34 to and from wellbore 24. In this embodiment, combined unit 32 comprises a crane 36 and a wireline winch 38 mounted directly to crane 36. Combined unit 32 also may comprise a vehicle, such as a crane truck 40, for transporting the combined crane and wireline winch. In this embodiment, crane truck 40 is a road legal vehicle that enables the transport of crane 36 and wireline winch 38 from one well site to another.

In the example illustrated, equipment 34 comprises fracturing equipment 42 and perforating equipment 44, such as a perforating gun 46. Crane 36 is used to move equipment 34 to desired locations within wellbore 24 via, for example, a cable 48. Wireline winch 38 is used to supply a conductive wireline 50 into wellbore 24 to enable the passage of signals to perforating gun 46 for initiation of perforation at desired locations within the wellbore. The conductive wireline also can be used for other purposes, such as providing a path for signal flow during data acquisition. Accordingly, a single vehicle can be utilized for both perforating and fracturing support in a combined process as opposed to using separate vehicles, separate crews and distinct procedures.

According to other aspects of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a control system 52 can be used to control and monitor aspects of both the perforating and fracturing processes. For example, control system 52 may comprise controls 54 dedicated to control of wireline winch 38 as well as the wireline computer control/acquisition system. Additionally, control system 52 may comprise frac controls 56, such as those used to control/monitor the various aspects of a fracturing procedure. Control system 52 also can be used to control crane 36. In the embodiment illustrated, the overall control system 52 is located in a vehicle 58 which may be deployed at the well site 20. By way of example, vehicle 58 may comprise a “frac van” in which the fracturing control system has been combined with a control system for wireline winch 38, wireline 50 and any data acquisition equipment providing signals through wireline 50.

As illustrated, a communication line 60 extends between crane truck 40 and vehicle 58. The communication line 60 may comprise a cable or other hardwired communication line directly coupling control system 52 with wireline winch, crane 36 and equipment 34. However, communication line 60 may utilize other types of communication, including wireless communication. Alternately, signals may be sent between control system 52 and crane truck 40 over additional communication lines or networks. In this latter embodiment, control system 52 could be utilized to control/monitor the fracturing and perforating processes from a location separated from well site 20.

Referring generally to FIG. 2, an embodiment of combined unit 32 is illustrated in enlarged form. As illustrated, wireline winch 38 is affixed to crane 36 at an attachment 62. Attachment 62 may comprise weldments, fasteners, e.g. bolts, or other mechanisms for securely affixing wireline winch 38 to crane 36. Thus, wireline winch 38 and crane 36 can be rotated together about an axis of rotation 64. In most applications, axis 64 will be oriented generally perpendicular to a surface on which crane truck 40 is parked.

In this embodiment, crane 36 comprises a rotatable base 66 which is rotatable by, for example, hydraulic input as with conventional crane units. A platform 68 and a crane torrent 70 are mounted above base 66. As illustrated, wireline winch 38 is affixed to torrent 70 and is rotatable with torrent 70, platform 68 and base 66 about axis 64. Crane 36 further comprises a boom 72 pivotably mounted to torrent 70 by a pivot junction 74. An actuator 76, such as a hydraulic cylinder, is used to pivot boom 72. Additionally, crane 36 comprises a reel 78 about which cable 48 is wound. Reel 78 is mounted on an arm 80 that extends from torrent 70, and the reel is rotated by a powered device 82. One example of a suitable device 82 is a hydraulic motor supplied with hydraulic fluid through flow lines 84. The hydraulic motor 82 can be powered to spool up cable 48 or to release additional cable 48 as desired for appropriate movement of equipment 34 within wellbore 24.

Wireline winch 38 comprises a framework 86 that is mounted to crane 36. For example, framework 86 can be affixed via attachment 62 to crane torrent 70 such that framework 86 extends from axis 64 in generally the same direction as arm 80. Wireline winch 38 further comprises a wireline reel 88 rotatably mounted on framework 86. Wireline reel 88 is driven by a powered device 90, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. Accordingly, conductive wireline 50 can be spooled up or released by controlling the rotation of wireline reel 88 via powered device 90. Wireline winch 38 further comprises a guide boom 92 pivotably mounted to framework 86 via a mounting portion 94. The guide boom 92 can be pivoted by an actuator 96, such as a hydraulic cylinder. Hydraulic fluid may be supplied to hydraulic cylinder 96 and device 90, for example, via hydraulic lines 98. Additionally, a wireline guide 100 is disposed on boom 92 to guide conductive wireline 50 as wireline reel 88 is rotated during perforation/acquisition procedures.

In an embodiment that utilizes hydraulically activated components, such asrhydraulic actuators 76 and 96, hydraulically driven reels 78 and 88, and a hydraulically rotated crane, pressurized hydraulic fluid may be supplied via a hydraulic control system 102, such as those commonly used in a variety of equipment applications. The hydraulic control system 102 may have separate sections 104 dedicated to controlling different applications, e.g. wireline winch components or crane components. Additionally, the hydraulic control system 102 may be controlled remotely via overall control system 52.

An embodiment of crane truck 40 is illustrated in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, crane truck 40 is a road legal truck having a chassis 106 supported on front wheels 108 and rear wheels 110. As illustrated, rear wheels 110 are mounted on a pair of axles. However, crane truck 40 may comprise a single rear axle or multiple rear axles depending on the weight of the equipment carried as well as the regional regulations pertaining to use of vehicles on public roadways.

A cab 112 is mounted on chassis 106, and combined unit 32 is mounted to chassis 106 rearwardly of cab 112. Combined unit 32 may be mounted to chassis 106 via a platform 114 that is supported by chassis 106. In this embodiment, combined unit 32 is mounted toward the rear of platform 114 to create a load region 116 between cab 112 and combined unit 32 for carrying materials, equipment or other items related to the perforation and/or fracturing procedures.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, crane truck 40 is illustrated in an operational state. Accordingly, crane 36 and wireline winch 38 have been rotated to the rear of crane truck 40 and are in a raised condition. In fact, boom 72 comprises at least one extensible section 118 that is extended to a degree that enables cable 48 and wireline 50 to extend downwardly into well 22. Cable 48 extends from reel 78 to a distal end 120 of extended section 118 and over a pulley or pulleys 122. Similarly, wireline 50 extends from wireline winch 38 and over a wireline pulley system 124 suspended from distal end 120. It should be noted that outriggers (not shown) or other mechanisms can be used to stabilize crane truck 40 during operation of crane 36.

Upon completion of the perforating and fracturing procedures at well site 20, crane truck 40 can be reconfigured to a transport state, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In other words, cable 48 and wireline 50 are reeled in, and extended section 118 is retracted. Additionally, crane 36 and wireline winch 38 are rotated together about axis 64, and boom 72 as well as guide boom 92 are lowered for transport to the next well site in the next perforation/fracturing project. Additionally, materials, equipment, etc. can be placed on platform 114 in load region 116 for transport.

Another unique aspect of combined unit 32 is that the perforation and fracturing procedures can be controlled with the single control system 52, as further illustrated in FIG. 5. By way of example, control system 52 may be enclosed in vehicle 58 for easy transport from one well site to another. At each well site, the control system 52 is coupled to combined unit 32 via, for example, communication lines 60 to enable the flow of signals between the operational unit, i.e. combined unit 32, and the remote, mobile control system.

As illustrated, control system 52 may be a computer based control system having a processor or processors 124 for managing the input and output of data. Additionally, control system 52 may comprise a display 126 for displaying to an operator a variety of information related to operation of the crane, wireline winch and the acquisition of well related data.

By way of example, system 52 may be coupled to a variety of components, such as components 128 and 130 for monitoring operational aspects of the crane 36 and/or the wireline winch 38. In this example, component 128 is a camera, such as a digital video camera, that is mounted on or in proximity to the crane 36 and/or wireline winch 38. Video camera 128 enables, for example, an operator to monitor the spooling of cable 48 or wireline 50 during perforation and fracturing procedures. Component 130 can comprise another video camera or another type of sensor or other component that enables an operator to monitor operational aspects of crane 36 and/or wireline winch 38.

Control system 52 also may be used to directly control the operation of crane 36 and wireline winch 38. For example, control system 52 may be coupled to hydraulic control system 102 and to each of the control components 104 that govern the hydraulic inputs to wireline winch 38 and to crane 36. This enables a remote operator within vehicle 58 to control operation of combined unit 32 by, for example, raising and lowering boom 72 and guide boom 92, controlling the speed and direction of reel 78 and reel 88, and controlling the rotation of crane 36 and wireline winch 38 about axis 64.

Additionally, control system 52 may be coupled to equipment 34 via conductive wireline 50. This enables an operator to output command signals, for example, to perforating gun 46 to initiate perforation. It also enables the operator to monitor various well related parameters, provided equipment 34 includes appropriate sensors or other instruments able to output data to control system 52 via wireline 50. Accordingly, an operator potentially has great ability to monitor and control many aspects of both the perforation procedures and fracturing procedures from a single, remote location. Furthermore, the mobile vehicle 58 enables movement of the control system from one well site to another.

In many applications, such as staged fracturing projects, combined unit 32 enhances the efficiency with which the perforation procedures and fracturing procedures can be carried out in multiple formation zones, e.g. formation zones 134, 136 and 138, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Perforations 140 can be formed in each of the plurality of formation zones, and fracturing processes can be conducted upon the completion of perforations in each zone. This allows different zones to be fractured differently due to, for example, variations in permeability from one zone to another. In any event, the procedures can be carried out with the crane 36 and the wireline winch 38 combined on a single vehicle with a single crew as opposed to organizing the cooperative efforts of separate vehicles with separate crews.

One example of the operation of combined crane 36 and wireline winch 38 can be described with reference to FIG. 7. Initially, equipment 34 is run into wellbore 24 via crane 36, as illustrated by block 142. The equipment 34 is moved by cable 48 of crane 36, and simultaneously conductive wireline 50 also may be run into wellbore 24. When the equipment is at a desired location within wellbore 24, e.g. formation region 134, that zone of the wellbore is perforated by sending a signal through conductive wireline 50 to perforating gun 46, as illustrated by block 144. Upon perforation, the formation region is fractured, as illustrated by block 146.

When the initial fracturing procedure is completed, the equipment is lifted to the the next wellbore/formation zone, e.g. zone 136, and wireline 50 is reeled in to remove slack, as illustrated by block 148. The perforation procedure is then conducted in this zone, as illustrated by block 150. Following perforation, the fracturing procedures can be conducted in this formation region, as illustrated by block 152. This process can be repeated for additional zones until all of the desired wellbore zones are perforated and fractured. After the final fracture procedure, the equipment is lifted from wellbore 24, as illustrated by block 154. Crane 36 and wireline winch 38 can then be placed into a configuration for transport, and crane truck 40 can be used to move the equipment to the next well site.

It should be noted that crane truck 40 and control system vehicle 58 may be constructed in a variety of configurations. Additionally, the equipment used for the perforation and fracturing procedures can vary according to specific project objectives, equipment available, environment and other factors. Also, the size and configuration of the crane and the wireline winch can vary based on the specific types of projects for which the combined unit is utilized.

Accordingly, although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this invention. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. 

1. A method of fracturing in a well, comprising: utilizing a crane to lower fracturing equipment into a wellbore; and enabling a perforation process by running a conductive wireline into the wellbore from a wireline winch mounted on the crane.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein enabling comprises sending a signal to a perforating gun through the conductive wireline.
 3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein enabling comprises mounting the wireline winch on a torrent of the crane.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising perforating a wellbore zone and fracturing a formation at the wellbore zone.
 5. The method as recited in claim 4, further comprising perforating a second wellbore zone and fracturing the formation at the second wellbore zone.
 6. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising controlling the crane and the wireline winch with a control system remote from the crane.
 7. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising controlling the crane and the wireline winch with a control system located within a separate vehicle.
 8. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising using a video camera to monitor operation of at least one of the crane and the wireline winch.
 9. A method, comprising: providing a crane to move fracturing equipment into a wellbore; and mounting a wireline winch directly on the crane.
 10. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising mounting the crane on a crane truck for transportability.
 11. The method as recited in claim 10, further comprising connecting a control system to both the crane and the wireline winch.
 12. The method as recited in claim 10, further comprising locating the control system in a control vehicle separate from the crane truck.
 13. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein mounting comprises mounting the wireline winch to the crane such that the wireline winch rotates with the crane.
 14. A method of staged fracturing, comprising: mounting a wireline winch directly onto a crane; suspending equipment at a first wellbore region via the crane; firing a perforating gun at the first wellbore region by sending a firing signal through a wireline couple to the wireline winch; fracturing a formation at the first wellbore region; lifting the equipment to a second wellbore region; and reeling in a portion of the wireline via the wireline winch mounted on the crane.
 15. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising moving the crane with a crane truck.
 16. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein mounting comprises affixing the wireline winch to a torrent of the crane.
 17. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising repeating perforation and fracturing processes at a plurality of wellbore regions.
 18. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising controlling both the crane and the wireline winch from a control system located in a single vehicle.
 19. A system for facilitating a fracturing process in a well, comprising: a crane; and a wireline winch mounted on the crane.
 20. The system as recited in claim 19, further comprising a crane truck to which the crane is mounted.
 21. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein the wireline winch is affixed to the crane such that the crane and the wireline winch rotate as a unit.
 22. The system as recited in claim 19, further comprising a control system disposed remotely from the crane to provide a single operator control over the crane and the wireline winch.
 23. The system as recited in claim 22, wherein the control system is located within a support vehicle.
 24. A system for facilitating a process in a well, comprising: a crane truck having a cab and a crane mounted rearwardly of the cab; and a wireline winch affixed to the crane.
 25. The system as recited in claim 24, further comprising a control vehicle having a fracturing control system and a wireline control system.
 26. The system as recited in claim 24, wherein the wireline winch is affixed to a crane torrent of the crane.
 27. The system as recited in claim 24, wherein the wireline winch rotates with the crane.
 28. The system as recited in claim 24, further comprising at least one camera to monitor operational aspects of at least one of the crane and the wireline winch. 